Aontú will support upcoming motion of no confidence in Simon Harris

Aontú will support upcoming motion of no confidence in Simon Harris - Tóibín

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has made it clear that Aontú will support the forthcoming motion of no confidence in Simon Harris as Minister for Health when the Dáil resumes next week.

An Teachta Tóibín TD stated:

"Simon Harris' record is clear. He has been at the helm of the Irish health system since 2016 and hundreds of thousands of Irish people are suffering pain, serious immobility and damaging long-term ill health as a direct result of the crumbling Irish health system and the confused maladministration of Simon Harris.

"Just this week, there was a record-breaking 760 patients on A&E hospital trolleys waiting for treatment.

"Other patients continue to wait indefinitely for surgery and treatment. The case of 7-year-old Tommy Kinsella is an indictment of Simon Harris' tenure as minister. For the eighth time, Tommy's heart surgery has been deferred. The fact that what is happening to young children like Tommy is in many ways routine across the health service means that there can be no doubt that Simon Harris has to go.

"People are continuing to sign the Aontú petition calling for Simon Harris' resignation. I will be voting in favour of the Rural Independents' motion of no confidence in Simon Harris."

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.